Why in the world would a mining company want to use a narrow 2-lane black top highway choked with tourists and busy residents to haul their ore? Could it be, that having told investors they would pour their first gold this summer (CMI PR, July 7, 2012) things haven’t worked out for Comstock Mining Inc (CMI), and now it’s panic time?

CMI wants to modify their Storey County special use permit (SUP) to use State Route 342 to haul ore to their processing facility in American Flat.

Storey County issued the original SUP to Plum Mining Company, LLC on January 5, 2000, amended April 30, 2004. Plum Mining was purchased by CMI and is now a wholly owned subsidiary.

The SUP (as amended) contains many stipulations (go HERE for summary). Stipulation 5 described the type of truck to be used (10 wheel dump truck) and stated: “There will be no trucking from the pit to the process facility on the State Highway (emphasis added).”

The amendment request comes at the end of long line of apparent missteps by CMI discussed here (Cease and Desist, Due Diligence). One misstep was to assume that Plum Mining’s haul road access, obtained several years ago under a BLM “Notice” could simply be renewed by CMI. However, BLM regulations have changed and the notice no longer applies. CMI first applied to use the haul road, then withdrew the application, seemingly because it would trigger NEPA and an environmental impact study.

Then CMI began to use both the haul road and the American Flat access road, without BLM permission (both cross BLM land). BLM responded by issuing a cease and desist order that will be in effect until the trespasses are resolved and a proper application is made.

Making the application will open the NEPA gate and that may cause a long delay – certainly no ore would be transported or gold poured in August.

But, if CMI can convince Storey County to grant the amendment, they might manage some kind of pour before the end of August, thus making a show for investors and potential investors.

An SUP is imposed on a mining company to protect the health and welfare of citizens and the quality of the environment, not to get the mining company out of a jam of their own making!. Having the trucks going back and forth on the highway will be inconvenient to residents and tourists and increase the likelihood of accidents, while accelerating the degradation of the National Historic Landmark.

If you think running ore trucks on the state highway is a bad and dangerous idea, please call and email the Storey County Planning Department and let them know: